Discovery Park, The Hive

Discovery Park - Project Description

Discovery Park is located within the heart of Gamuda Cove. Gamuda Cove is a new 1530-acre township set next to wetlands and forest reserves in Southern Klang Valley. Within close proximity to Cyberjaya and KLIA, it has direct access from the ELITE Highway and easy accessibility from other major highways. Discovery Park sits on a parcel of land which measures approximately 20 acres. It was conceived as a small and temporary development which would act as a catalyst that would spark the generation and establishment of the new township.

The brief called for an integrated mixed development which could provide a whole range of leisure and recreational activities enjoyed within the backdrop of the existing wetlands and forest reserves. A small mall or ‘The Hive’ would act as the anchor for this development housing a plethora of local F&B delights within a unique building which would act as a landmark to attract the crowds. The Hive taps onto the strong signature imagery of gable roofs which has come to be associated with this Client. This is then given a slightly different twist in its extensive utilisation of steel and reliance on the repetitive use of the hexagonal form to allude to a hive of activity. Southeast Asia’s first ‘Aerobar’ sits in a public ‘Village Square' adjacent to The Hive. This is an observation tower structure which has a rotating gondola. This gondola seats visitors and takes them to an elevated height on the tower enabling spectacular views of the surrounding wetlands and township taking shape.

Wrapping around the circular public square and adjacent to The Hive is the 'Beach Pool Club’. This Club houses the first salt water public pool in Malaysia complete with a deep dive pool and platform as well as sunken lounges. A dining and drinks hall located within the Beach Pool Club looks out onto a vast deck and landscape which evoke the experience of being by the beach. The Beach Pool Club takes on the evocative and curving shape akin to that of the nautilus shell. This shape expresses the nature of the building and is a gentle nod and gesture to its intimate relationship with the public square and The Hive.

A little further down is the ‘Drift Kart Building’ which is home to the first stand alone drift kart facility in Malaysia. The building is designed like an aircraft hangar with a spacious internal hall which accommodates the first raised and purpose-designed karting track in this region. The copious volume of the structure allows unobstructed views to the track from the viewing decks and promotes natural light and ventilation to invigorate the space. The building also acts as the base for the ATV vehicles which will allow another facet for exploring the local terrain here.

All these buildings form the first phase of Discovery Park and are interconnected by a comprehensive network of covered walkways and are complemented by ample visitor parking. The park is also served by generously landscaped gardens and bicycle tracks integrated into the public facilities. The Discovery Park acts as an appropriate introduction to the main township development. It is designed to draw the permanent dweller as well as the transient visitor in search for a fun and restful respite with a difference. Together, the various components of Discovery Park make for an unforgettable feast for the eyes as well the senses.